Michigan (Munising / Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)
Trip Summary
If you ever hear about one attraction in all of Michigan, it will probably be the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! A beautiful place to explore in any season, it is a spot where you can hike, boat, kayak, or even swim as you bask in its natural beauty that spans the south shore of Lake Superior. When my husband and I had a road trip planned through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I knew that this was a “for sure” place to stop!
We were driving in from Presque Isle (my post about that magical place is here) and Lake of the Clouds, so we had some ground to cover before we got there. The best way to see the Pictured Rocks is by boat and with it being a cold and rainy day, we booked a Classic Cruise via Pictured Rocks Cruises. Already nervous because of the worsening weather, I checked the website continuously on our drive to Munising and was dismayed to see a cancellation notice for our cruise. Before we diverted course, though, I wanted to check to see if any other boats were going out, and when I called, lo and behold, the cruise was still on schedule! The website notice was a mistake–they were cancelling trips for the next day–so our cruise was still on. It would be the last boat out for the season!
When arrived at the office, we were able to check-in, and it looked like a full boat. Seating is first come, first serve, and I knew that we would want to be by a window, so we settled in (though, on the left side, unfortunately–you want to sit on the RIGHT side to get all the good shots–more about this later!). I don’t know what the COVID regulations are now, but when we went in 2020, they required masks and everyone to remain seated throughout the entire two and a half hours. We are happy to comply with regulations, but after being in the car for several hours, my husband wanted to stand occasionally and stretch his back in the aisle, but the staff was very adamant that he not move at all which understandably frustrated him and made him not enjoy the ride so much. So just FYI if you have fidgety kids/spouses…
They, do, however, let you stand on the stern, and that is where I hung out for most of the cruise while I took pictures. It would have been a lot nicer if it wasn’t raining, but it was a good area to stand and take in all the amazing beauty of the Pictured Rocks.
While the cruise is long, there is a lot of area to cover as the boat goes by East Channel Lighthouse, Miners Castle, Lovers’ Leap, Indian Head, Grand Portal, and Chapel Rock.
The cruise is essentially a loop around all of these spots and while the captain said that both sides would get to see the sights–you want to sit on the right side. When you are on the right side, you get slow and leisurely shots of the sights and the boat even comes up close so that you can see the smallest details on the rocks, but then on the way back, the boat is FLYING, and much farther out in the lake so that you don’t see very much at all. When I started realizing that, I was so grateful that I had decided not to wait for the return trip to take pictures but instead just took them all from the back of the boat!
So the lack of equity was a little frustrating, because both sides of the boat didn’t get the same experience. The boat was also very run-down, had uncomfortable seats, and lots of exposed wiring that seemed dangerous, especially when water started leaking in and soaking everything inside. At one point, my husband even pointed it out, but the staff didn’t care and just told him to sit back in his seat, so that hindered the boat ride a bit. The rocks themselves are beautiful and given the weather and time of year, I would recommend a nicer boat or even kayaks to see the rocks, but given our options at the time, we were stuck with this one.
Pictured Rocks Cruises: B-
When we got back to shore, the rain was worsening and the sun was gone, so we decided to stay for the night. I had originally booked a campsite at Twelvemile Beach Campground nearby (a SCORE as these places fill up very quickly), but as we were watching the pouring down rain, we debated if we wanted to set up the tent in the dark (in the rain) and then pack everything up wet in the morning as it was slated to storm for another few days. So we decided to just stop at a hotel before driving back toward home. The hotel wasn’t really one that I would recommend and was way overpriced for what it was, so I’ll just recommend that you all come during warmer weather and camp at Twelvemile! It is what we would have done in an ideal situation, and I think if we have a chance to return to Michigan in the summer, we’ll definitely keep on with the campsites–as that is really the best way to explore the most beautiful spots of the country!
Favorite Experiences
When I was on the stern of the ship, I could see the most, so those would be my best memories. The colors are surreal up close and you can really appreciate the detail when you are in the middle of it all, unencumbered by foggy windows, water leaks, or rude staff. At one point, the boat maneuvered into a small cove and you could see the rocks on both sides, just towering over you in its sheer awesomeness. With the waters being choppy, the boat would rise and fall with the waves, and this made for a cool effect as you rose and fell with the waters and watched the rugged landscape up close.
What I Wish I Knew
Well, I wish we visited in the summer! However, given our schedule and when we could get the time off, we were limited to when we could go, so we made the best of it. If you are planning a trip, definitely go a little earlier in the year so you won’t have to fight with the weather so much (or worry about things closing up for the season). You will also have more options if you come in the summer as there are more water options available then. And if you go when we did and end up on this same cruise, sit on the RIGHT side or better yet, just hang out at the back. And take pictures! And camp! And eat white fish! And enjoy all that Munising has to offer!
I know that I am not done with Michigan yet–Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls, Kitch-Iti-Kipi, and so many others are still on my to-do list, so you know more Michigan posts are in the near future! It’s a gorgeous state that deserves multiple visits! Of course, if you know of any hidden gems that I should see on my next visit, just drop me a line!
I also post reels and TikToks regularly of all the places I’ve reviewed on here, so if you want to see some videos of what to expect, check out my social media here:
TikTok: @touristyteacher
Instagram: @touristyteacher
Facebook: @touristyteacher
Happy travels!
